PHO reports higher dengue, gastroenteritis cases
THE Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported an increase in number of mosquito-borne dengue cases in Pangasinan, from 7,376 to 7,942 over the same period January to Oct. 28 last year.
Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, PHO
chief, however pointed out that the death toll so far this year is lower at 11
compared to last year’s 25 deaths and listed in its watch list are San Carlos City (624
cases); Bayambang (486); Malasiqui (423); Lingayen (386); Calasiao (318);
Bugallon (298); Rosales (266); Bani (247); Binmaley (246); and San Quintin
(243).
Most affected age groups are from aged 5 to 9 years old, and from 10 to 14, and
the majority are male, she added.
“The
highest number of dengue cases this year was recorded in August with 2,052, but
it went down to 1,863 in September,” De
Guzman said as she observed that most of the sources are from home water
receptacles left open by households.
She assured provincial government hospitals are equipped with rapid tests to
determine dengue cases so all patients with two-days old fever accompanied by
muscle pain are accommodated in fast lanes for quick treatment against dengue.
Provincial government-operated
hospitals screen walk-in patients automatically for dengue and treated under
the ‘no-balance billing’ policy and blood supply is made available to those in
urgent need, De Guzman said.
Nonetheless, Second District Board
Member Von Mark Mendoza said he is alarmed by the number of dengue cases in the
province and urged PHO to further intensify its campaign to lower cases and aim
for zero mortality.
Meanwhile, there were 8,355 acute gastroenteritis cases with 41 deaths recorded from January 1 to October 28 this year compared to 7,301 cases and 33 deaths last year.
Seven deaths were reported in Dagupan City, four in Binmaley, three each in Mangaldan and San Fabian, two each in Bolinao, Malasiqui, San Carlos City, Binalonan and Manaoag and one each in Alaminos City, Bani, Aguilar, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Mapandan, San Jacinto, Alcala, Bautista, Pozorrubio, Villasis, Sta. Maria and Umingan.
Top municipalities/cities included in PHO watchlist are San Carlos City with 712 cases, Mangaldan (496), Bayambang (466), Calasiao (423), Malasiqui (393), Alaminos City (353), Lingayen (329), Sta. Barbara (326) Binmaley (315), San Fabian (315) and Pozorrubio (233). (Leonardo Micua /PhilStar Wire Service/PIA)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments